Brockton residents have mixed views about new interim police chief

Saturday

Feb 1, 2014 at 7:02 PMFeb 1, 2014 at 7:09 PM

Residents were surprised to learn that Robert Hayden has been appointed the city's interim police chief. Some support the appointment of an outsider, while others fear his health might affect his ability to serve.

Staff Reporter

BROCKTON – In interviews with 10 Brockton residents on Saturday, one reaction was universal: Residents were surprised to learn that Brockton has a new leader of the Brockton Police Department.

On Friday afternoon, Robert Hayden was sworn in as Brockton's interim police chief. The 71-year-old with cancer was the former police chief of Lawrence and served as public safety adviser to Mayor Bill Carpenter during the campaign.

Residents had mixed reactions to the news.

"It's a good thing," said Orville Henry, 51, of the East Side. "It brings a fresh set of eyes to the Police Department."

Henry said he would like to see Hayden tackle the crime issue. He added that he wasn't worried about Hayden's age.

"With age comes experience," Henry said.

Christina Knudsen, 33, of the north side, was more skeptical.

"What's he taking this job for?" she asked. "Is it for another pension or is it because he wants to see the city safer?" she asked.

"It shouldn't matter whether he's an outsider or not," said 20-year-old Matt Carrigg, of the Montello section of Brockton. "What matters is that he's going to do his job."

When 32-year-old Tanya Coward of the north side heard about Hayden's appointment, she was concerned about his health.

"I'm worried about him having health problems," she said. Coward said Carpenter's appointment of Hayden was "not a good move."

Having a new police chief who has never lived or worked in Brockton is cause for concern for David Olcott, 43, of Montello.

"What does he know about this city?" Olcott asked.

He said that whoever ends up being Brockton's next police chief needs to focus on cleaning up the drugs and prostitution.

Cindy Mahnestis of Brockton said the city could use a fresh perspective.

"It would be good for an outsider to come in and clean it up," she said.

Elizabeth Poole, 29, of Oak Street also said she wants the new police chief to crack down on crime.

"If the new chief can get rid of the drugs, that would be the best thing," Matta said.

She said police need to attack the drug issue citywide.

"They need to drive these dealers to the middle and get them out that way or drive them out of town," Matta said.

Smith Louis , 26, of Kingman Avenue said having someone outside of the Brockton Police Department taking over is not a good idea.

"He's never lived here. How can he know what it's like?" Louis said.

Rob Demaris, the manager of Montello News, said he never had problems with the Brockton Police Department.

"Whenever I've had to call them, they are here within 10 minutes," Demaris said.

He added that only the mayor and those inside the Brockton Police Department could really know what is going on.

"Maybe there is a little bit of housecleaning that needs to be done," Demaris said.

Hayden's appointment came less than an hour after a Brockton Superior Court judge ruled against the Brockton Police Supervisors Union, which had sought to block his appointment.

The union claimed state law requires that police officers be younger than 65. Since Hayden is 71 and not an officer he should have been barred from serving as interim chief, the union argued.

Hayden said on Friday he neither his age nor his health would affect his ability to serve.

Among Hayden's accomplishments are his work as a deputy superintendent with the Boston Police Department and the police chief of Lawrence.

He also served as the undersecretary of state public safety department and was the assistant general manager of safety for the MBTA.

Carpenter has filed an ordinance with City Council that would create a civilian police commissioner and allow Hayden to oversee the department for a year. Carpenter will present his plan to the City Council on Tuesday night.

On Friday, former Police Chief Emanuel Gomes returned to the rank of captain.

Jennifer Bray may be reached at jbray@enterprisenews.com or follow her on Twitter @JenniferB_ENT.

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